Research Says This Garlic Compound Helps Fight Bacterial Infections

The pungent smelling garlic might annoy you and you might not like its taste, but the moment you know about its tremendous health benefits then you will surely make it a point to consume it without any second thought.

Garlic contains essential compounds that have plenty of health benefits. Ajoene is just one of them. A new study has found that Ajoene, an active sulfurous compound found in garlic helps in fighting the bacterial infections effectively.

According to a study led by University of Copenhagen, this compound Ajoene has been found to destroy the important components in the communication systems of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

As per the lead author of the study Dr Tim Holm Jakobsen, a researcher in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at the University of Copenhagen "this method can lead to treatment of patients, who otherwise have poor prospects, because chronic infections like cystic fibrosis can be very robust."

During the study, the researchers also found that Ajoene helped in inhibiting the small regulatory RNA (sRNA) molecules in two types of bacteria.

"The garlic compound is able to fight both at once and therefore may prove an effective drug when used together with antibiotics" said Dr Jakobsen.

In addition to inhibiting the bacteria's RNA molecules, ajoene also damages the protective slimy matrix surrounding the bacteria, called biofilm.

When the biofilm is destroyed or weakened, both antibiotics and the body's own immune system are able to attack the bacteria more directly and thus remove the infection.

The study was recently published in the journal Scientific Reports.

Meanwhile, listed here are the health benefits of garlic you need to know, check them out.

1. Prevents Heart Disease:

Garlic is known for its rich antioxidant properties. Garlic contains a compound called allicin that helps to lower the cholesterol level. Consuming garlic on a regular basis helps in preventing heart disease. In order to derive its maximum health benefits garlic is best consumed in raw form.

2. Regulates Blood Pressure:
Garlic contains an important compound called allicin. This acts as a natural blood thinner and helps in regulating the blood pressure. You can add garlic in your regular food, but having 1-2 cloves of garlic as supplements on a regular basis helps in controlling your blood pressure.

3. Regulates Blood Sugar:
Consuming garlic in raw form helps is regulating the blood sugar. This is because of the compound called allicin present in garlic. Several studies have found that raw garlic consumption helps in regulating the blood sugar and thus prevent diabetes.

(With Agency Inputs)